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abolitionist

/ˌæbəˈlɪʃənɪst/ · ab·o·li·tion·ist
noun
  1. A person who advocates for the abolition of something, especially slavery or a particular practice. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 19th century, with prominent figures like William Wilberforce and Harriet Tubman leading the charge.
  2. A person who supports the abolition of a particular institution or practice, such as the death penalty or animal testing. The abolitionist group organized a protest outside the prison, calling for an end to capital punishment.
adjective
  1. Relating to or advocating for the abolition of something. The abolitionary policies of the new government aimed to eliminate corruption and inequality.
Did you know? The term 'abolitionist' was first used in the 18th century to describe individuals who advocated for the abolition of the slave trade. The movement gained momentum in the 19th century, with prominent figures like William Wilberforce and Harriet Tubman leading the charge.

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Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 2 lookups Added Aug 1, 2026